Micky’s plan of attack in Sheffield United relegation showdown

MICKY Adams, the Sheffield United manager, last night predicted his side’s meeting with Derby County could be a frenetic affair despite both team’s perilous predicament towards the bottom of the Championship table.

United start the match in 23rd place and without a win since December. Their opponents are also looking anxiously over their shoulders having slipped from ninth to 19th in eight short weeks.

Adams said: “What type of game is it going to be? Well, I don’t think either of us can rely on what we’re doing at the back. So it might just be that we have to get as many people forward as possible. That could be the approach to take. Just go for it.

“Neither of us are on a good run so Derby might want to do exactly the same as well.

“You never know.”

United will be without defender Shane Lowry following his sending-off against Scunthorpe in midweek. Derby were yesterday close to signing a Premier League goalkeeper on loan plans but to draft in Preston’s Paul Hayes have been put on ice.

United, meanwhile, have unveiled a series of ticket offers designed to increase gates between now and the end of the season.

Supporters simultaneously purchasing tickets for tomorrow’s game and also next month’s clash with Nottingham Forest receive £10 off or a free shirt voucher for the Blades superstore.

A £10 discount is also available when tickets for Middlesbrough (April 9) and Cardiff City (April 12) are bought in one transaction.

Season-ticket-holders who bring a friend to the forthcoming Yorkshire derby with Leeds receive a 25 per cent discount and 50 loyalty points.